Serves as the production control contact between programmers or functional users and computer organizations for an assigned block of program applications.
Duties
-- Collects and consolidates input data and program documentation.
-- Inserts or modifies program control deck as appropriate.
-- Identifies tape requirements.
-- Verifies that required information is available, and places in operations for processing according to schedule.
-- Reviews documentation and stages materials to allow for data and program
dependencies. Ensures that input data is current and annotates operator instructions to show multiple program runs.
-- Enters jobs into priority queue through a card reader according to simple or priority sequence, dependency sequence or by special priority indicator. Accepts priorities as indicated by users, or upgrades priorities on customer request if it does not interfere with established production or existing priorities. Adjusts priorities by making coded entries through a remote terminal.
-- Monitors programs in progress through terminal inquiry or system printer status reports. Advises users of current status of job, estimates time of completion, or advises of processing problems such as conflicts of priority, equipment or power failure and similar conditions.
-- Responds to operator notification of control parameter processing problems. Reviews instructions and program specifications and corrects control codes. Advises operator of restart or rerun instructions, adjusting priority if necessary.
-- Reviews run sheet instructions and stages test runs under varying priority and control conditions.
-- Spot checks output to determine that it is properly formatted, and that the quantity and print quality are as required. Notifies users of completed high priority work.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-3 -- 350 Points
-- Knowledge of production processing procedures and flow, and knowledge of computer equipment utilization options for processing each assigned program. This knowledge is used to set-up and assign processing to computer systems according to program and control variations required for each local machine system.
-- Knowledge of program documentation, terms and usage of system control language and run-sheet instructions in order to interpret repetitive and one time processing requests. This knowledge is used to amend control streams and to provide for identification, dates, and parameters specified in processing requests. It is applied to select the appropriate machine system or alternate for processing the requirement. It is also used to interpret and accommodate to conflicting data and program requirements, and to work with operators to correct control related problems.
-- Knowledge of organization policies and procedures controlling the assignment of processing priorities to accommodate customer requests or to refer conflicting priorities to specialists for resolution.
-- Knowledge of recurring and production workload requirements and the distribution of processing among the available systems in order to assure that demand and test
requirements are properly inserted within available capacity and time availability.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-2 -- 125 Points
The work is assigned in terms of responsibility for a block of applications programs. Changes in procedures, schedule modifications or changes in policy that effect work assignments or methods are explained by the supervisor. The employee performs on-going and special processing work independently according to standing instructions and procedures, making adjustments based on experience or precedent processing actions. Requirements that cannot be accommodated according to established practices or precedents are referred to the supervisor. Finished work is reviewed on the basis of processing reports, and contact with users to determine that objectives have been properly and timely accomplished.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 Points
Written guidelines are supplemented by verbal instruction for minor modifications in procedures.
The written guides include manuals for control language applications, processing procedures (priority setting, queue loading, schedules, etc.) and program run books. In addition,
dependencies and contentions are depicted in, or can be determined from flow charts and block diagrams. The guidelines cover the procedures necessary to accomplish recurring work. The employee selects from available guidelines and precedent actions to adapt to new programs or test requirements, and adjusts existing procedures for contentions, priorities and multiple-pass processing. New requirements that cannot be adapted and processed within existing guidelines are referred to the supervisor.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 Points
This employee is responsible for the pre-processing preparation of a variety of program
applications processed on several computer systems. Each job requires consideration of variables in processing specifications such as the system on which the processing is to be accomplished, product format, and the number and kind of control variables (dates, input identification, one or more levels of totals or data summaries) appropriate to the requirements. The employee
determines what is to be accomplished, job priority, and the appropriate processing and control methods to acquire the requested products.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 Points
The purpose of the work is to maintain a flow of processing work to and through the computer systems, ensuring that the computer operator has all required information and materials to successfully complete processing requirements. The work affects the accuracy of production
depending on proper combinations of control, input and program specifications. The results of the work contribute to user acceptance of system reliability and ensures timeliness of computer production.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 Points
Primary contacts are with co-workers, programmers and operators in the data processing center.
There is frequent contact with functional users of the systems, located within the agency.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 Points
For new or test applications the employee participates in work planning efforts by adapting, devising, and recommending the control methods to be applied. The majority of contacts are for the purpose of exchanging or explaining factual information about the work processes, such as data needs, schedules and priority setting procedures.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-2 -- 20 Points
The work requires long periods of standing and frequent bending and stooping. The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry cards, printed reports, tapes and other materials that may reach loads of about 20 kilograms (45 lbs).
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 Points
The work environment is comparable to an office setting with a controlled environment, requiring normal safety precautions and involving only nominal risk of injury.
TOTAL POINTS -- 925 GS-5 = 855-1110 Points